Reviving Traditional Architecture: The Essence Of Vernacular BUILD Craft!
Built heritage is a reflection of a region’s cultural identity, history, and collective memory, showcasing the ingenuity of traditional craftsmanship and architectural wisdom. It is an embodiment of local materials, construction techniques, and community-driven spatial planning that has evolved over centuries. Traditional architecture not only serves as a source of inspiration for contemporary design but also offers valuable lessons in sustainability, climate responsiveness, and cultural continuity. However, rapid urbanization, modernization, and changing perceptions of progress have led to the neglect of vernacular practices. This article explores the significance of traditional crafts in space-making, the diversity of architectural styles across India, and the urgent need to bridge the gap between heritage and modern architecture.
The crafts encompass the making of space and all the aspects associated with it. Traditional architecture brings out the flavour of a region through its structural elements and spatial configurations, offering insights into community involvement in the process of space-making. Experiencing traditional architecture first-hand allows one to grasp fundamental design principles and fosters an understanding of space, aesthetics in minimalism, sustainability, and structural stability. These aspects are crucial in the learning, teaching, and practice of architecture (Thakkar, 2011).
Today, India exhibits a rich diversity of vernacular styles, shaped by geography, climate, and available materials. From the Kath-Kuni construction of Himachal Pradesh to the timber-framed houses of Ahmedabad, the stone masonry homes of Kutch and Saurashtra, and the bamboo houses of South Gujarat, each style is deeply rooted in local traditions and responds effectively to micro-climatic conditions. These traditional buildings, inherently sustainable and resource-efficient, stand in harmony with their surroundings (Vandenhende, 2015).
Despite its advantages, vernacular architecture faces widespread misconceptions, particularly among India’s middle class. Many believe that progressive architecture is synonymous with the use of concrete and steel, while vernacular materials are perceived as inferior or outdated. There is also a misconception that only those who cannot afford modern materials opt for vernacular construction, while building crafts are considered a luxury reserved for mansions and palaces. This detachment from traditional practices is leading to the gradual loss of built heritage and indigenous knowledge systems.
Interestingly, contemporary society has begun to recognize the value of organic and locally sourced products in food and fabric. Similarly, there is a growing awareness of the benefits of living in contemporary structures built with natural materials. A similar shift in perspective is required in architecture—to integrate vernacular wisdom with modern needs, ensuring a sustainable and culturally rooted built environment.
Traditional architecture is not just about preserving the past; it is about learning from it. By reviving traditional crafts, incorporating them into contemporary design, and addressing the misconceptions surrounding vernacular materials, we can create spaces that are both culturally meaningful and environmentally responsible. Built heritage is not a relic of the past but a living source of knowledge that can shape the future of sustainable architecture.
Ar. Sharduli Joshi
Associate Professor, SMEF’s Brick School of Architecture, Pune
[email protected]
